News

News Posted on August 17, 2017

UC Davis School of Law Welcomes Class of 2020

UC Davis School of Law welcomed its 52nd entering class at the 2017 Welcome BBQ held on the Moss Patio at the UC Davis Buehler Alumni Center on August 13. The event included remarks from Dean Kevin R. Johnson, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid Kristen Mercado, Alumni Association President Kimberly Lucia ‘09, and Law Students Association President Kimberly Waldon ‘18.

The Welcome BBQ is an annual tradition at King Hall, providing new students with an opportunity to meet members of the King Hall community in an informal setting prior to the beginning of Intro Week, five days of academic and social activities that take place prior to the beginning of regular fall courses.

“Let me be the first to say, ‘Welcome, Class of 2020!’” Dean Johnson said in his introductory remarks. “You are students at a truly extraordinary law school, one with a distinguished history of excellence and diversity. This is a law school like no other. It is a true community where faculty, staff, and students truly support one another.”

The Class of 2020 is a remarkably diverse group, with 55 percent students of color and 57 percent women. Dean Johnson noted the class includes eight veterans of military service, an employee of Clint Eastwood’s production company, a former professional singer/guitarist in a rock band, a student named to GlamourMagazine’s list of Top 10 College Women for her role in her undergraduate paper’s reporting on campus sexual assault investigations, a former pilot who flew combat missions in Afghanistan and humanitarian runs in Malaysia, a former City of Davis police officer turned junior high school teacher, and a coordinator of a coalition of six Central Valley environmental justice nonprofits.

Assistant Dean of Admission Mercado also welcomed the new students and praised the Class of 2020. “From thousands of applications, yours stood out for their ability to engage and inspire,” Mercado said. “Though just words on a screen, they conveyed creativity, bold aspirations, and blazing intellect that convinced us you had to be the next members of the King Hall family. We heard Dean Johnson share just a few of the great things you've done and I assure everyone there are many, many more.”

“You've chosen an honorable profession and an amazing law school in King Hall,” Lucia said, encouraging students to get to know one another, get know King Hall faculty and alumni, and get involved in the King Hall community. “Law school is difficult, but it will be the most rewarding experience of your life.

“Law school is hard, stressful, and challenging, but it’s worth it,” said Waldon, adding that students need to maintain their support systems with their family and their community as they pursue legal education. “Sit down, be humble,” she said, referencing a lyric from rapper Kendrick Lamar, “and enjoy the process.”

University of California, Davis, School of Law • King Hall • 400 Mrak Hall Drive • Davis, CA95616‑5201